India passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill

On August 13, 2026, the India — Parliament of India passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, amending the Nigeria — Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. The India — Ministry of Mines clarified that the amendment does not alter states' rights over land, minerals, or their power to levy taxes, with approximately 90% of mining revenue continuing to accrue to states. The bill aims to create a predictable fiscal regime, curb uneven state-level taxation that makes domestic minerals uncompetitive, and encourage investment in domestic mining. This supports India's goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. India imported minerals worth Rs 10.12 lakh crore in FY26, and the government argues that steep and unbalanced taxation increases reliance on imports. States currently impose around 14 types of levies, including royalty, auction premium, dead rent, DMF contributions, GST, and transit fees. Between FY16 and FY26, major mining states received over Rs 5 lakh crore from mining, while the Centre's revenue was Rs 82,000 crore. The amendment is intended to provide certainty and stability, potentially boosting investment in the sector.